Rabies Claims Four Lives in West Kalimantan in the Last Four Months

Rabies has claimed four lives in West Kalimantan in the last four months.

PONTIANAK, KOMPAS — During January-April 2024 there were four cases of deaths of residents due to bites from animals that transmit rabies in West Kalimantan. On average, they come to health care facilities already in serious condition.

Rabies is azoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus from the genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae. Head of the West Kalimantan Health Service (Dinkes) Erna Yulianti, Friday (3/5/2024) evening, said that during January-April, there were 1,561 cases of bites from rabies-infecting animals. Of the 1,561 cases, 1,414 cases have been treated and received the anti-rabies vaccine.

"Out of 14 districts/cities, there are quite high cases of rabies transmission from animal bites in Landak Regency, Sanggau Regency, Bengkayang Regency, Singkawang City, and Ketapang Regency," he revealed.

During that period, there were four cases of deaths due to rabies-infected animal bites. Three cases occurred in Landak Regency and one case in Mempawah Regency. Patients usually arrive at healthcare facilities in critical conditions. Those who were bitten by rabies-infected animals did not report the incident to the village officials or community health centers.

"I hope that the community who knows of dog, cat, or monkey bites cases will immediately report the incident to the village authorities and health center for immediate handling," said Erna.

Also read: Speed ​​up vaccination so that Indonesia is free from rabies by 2030

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Head of the West Kalimantan Health Service Erna Yulianti

Meanwhile, cases of rabies transmission from animals are immediately reported to the livestock department for investigation to determine whether the animal is showing symptoms of rabies or not. Dogs suspected of being rabies carriers can exhibit a number of symptoms. Dogs suspected of being rabies carriers are usually more progressive than before. Their eyes become red, they produce excessive saliva, and they are afraid of sunlight and water.

As for the clinical symptoms in humans after being bitten by a rabies-infected dog, they generally experience fever and complaints of nausea, burning pain in the bite area, and throat pain. Specifically, patients are also afraid of sunlight and water, and may excessively salivate.

The stock of anti-rabies vaccines (VAR) in the West Kalimantan Provincial Health Office is 5,267 vials. The number of vaccines that has been distributed to districts/cities is 3,717 vials based on their requests. The provincial health office and a number of policymakers always work together in conducting education, health promotion, distribution of anti-rabies vaccines, control, and prevention measures.

Related agencies in the regencies/cities are requested to be more active in providing education to the community through health promotion on how to take care and maintain their pets. Then, immediately carry out vaccinations to ensure the health of the animals.

First aid

The acting Governor of West Kalimantan, Harisson, recently reminded that the first aid for residents who have been bitten by rabies-transmitting animals is to wash the bite wound with flowing water and soap. The aim is to get rid of the virus that has entered. After that, apply antiseptic fluid and immediately take them to health workers.

Harisson also mentioned that one of the patients in Landak District is a 14-year-old child who was bitten by a dog in September. Unfortunately, after being bitten by the dog, the patient was not taken to a healthcare facility and did not receive the proper treatment.

The incubation period of the rabies virus lasts from eight days to two years. So, even if the wound has healed, the virus is still present in the body and continues to attack the nerves. After severe symptoms appear, the patient is only brought to the hospital and cannot be saved.

Harisson is asking the community who has pets that may cause rabies, such as dogs, cats, and monkeys, to ask the livestock department officers to vaccinate their pets. In addition, if bitten by rabies-causing animals, immediately come to health officers at health centers or hospitals to receive prompt treatment.

Also read: Rabies, a Neglected Disease